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Rugby salivates over disgruntled Sonny Bill
By ADRIAN PROSZENKO and STEVE KILGALLON - Sunday Star Times | Sunday, 18 May 2008
Rugby salivates over disgruntled Sonny Bill - New Zealand's source for sport, rugby, cricket & league news on Stuff.co.nz
Disgruntled Bulldogs star Sonny Bill Williams is fed up and wants out of the club.
The Sun-Herald can reveal Kiwis superstar Williams is at loggerheads with Bulldogs officials over several issues and has instructed his management to explore the possibility of a release.
Asked about the development, Williams said last night: "I don't want to comment."
But the news has created renewed interest in Williams from rival code rugby union. Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones declared he would attempt to lure Williams to English rugby club Saracens if the Kiwis forward can negotiate a release from his long- term deal at Belmore. There are also big-money offers from rugby clubs in France and Japan.
The convener of the Kiwis selectors, Howie Tamati, said: "[Williams] would be a huge loss to the game if he does go. It would be a big impact on the international game ... he has been a fabulous asset to rugby league but he is a young man who has got to make decisions to secure his own future and his livelihood."
Former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe said Williams would "blitz them" if he went to rugby.
"It would be a crying shame if he went but it's going to happen more as the games get closer.
"He would be a sensation in rugby, I've got no doubt whatsoever.
"He strikes me as the sort of guy who would not go somewhere for an extra 50 grand . . . but from the outside they [the Bulldogs] aren't playing like a happy mob."
After expressing an interest in representing the All Blacks, European rugby sides have begun making inquiries about his availability. Jones, now a consultant with English club Saracens, said he would target Williams if he became a free agent and met eligibility criteria.
"'He's undoubtedly one of the most talented league players we've ever seen.
"He'd make a fantastic 12 in union. He's got pace, he's got speed, he's got a step.
"He has the ability to distribute the ball and he's tough. They are all pretty good qualities that make a good 12," said Jones.
Even though the English salary cap is set to double next year, Saracens will struggle to compete with the money available in France.
Jones said Williams could fetch $1 million per season at one of the "big three or four" French franchises.